They say the best things in life are free,

...I'm going on a shopping spree.

I have spent a lot of time lately really trying to decipher the difference between what I "want" and what I "need."  I find it pretty interesting how often I subconciously try to sneak my "wants" into my "needs" list.  It is a constant mental struggle.  A few examples; of coarse there are the big things like: 

• a new truck 
  
• a hot tub 
• hardwood floors 
• and an electric fence to keep my dogs contained.  
  

But there are also so many little things like: 

• fresh flowers for my table
• food for the wild birds
• and gourmet coffee 

Then there are the lifestyle wants like:  

• a new snowboard, 
• a gym membership 
• and a seasons pass to Powder Mountain (that really is a need, right?)   

This economic roller coaster we are on has forced me to come to truths with these two lists.  The things I really need are simple: 

• I need food (not crab and shrimp) 
• I need water and milk (not soda and juice) 
• I need gas in my car to take my children to school and to their activities (not to go drive around because I am bored.)  

Maybe I am laying too much out on the table here, but I don't think I am alone.  I have also noticed that many of us with young children and mortgages or rent to pay, are all working harder than ever with little to no time to play and are struggling to make it in this crazy world we have created.  There is too much to do, too much expected and never enough time.  What is going on here?  What ever happened to the simple life that most of us are working so hard to achieve, will we ever get there or will we just continue to add more and more to our plate?  Sorry to ramble, I got a little off the subject here.  These are just a few things that have been running through my head.  

So, back to the subject "The best things in life are free"  I also have a list of these things.  Ironically enough, this list is much smaller and the things are much, much more important...

Good Company.  Close Family.  Big Smiles.  Peace and Serenity.   A Good Laugh.   Music. 

The beauty of these "best things" is that they are plentiful even during a time that we are tightening our wallets and saving our pennies.  The best things in life shine through and we realize what matters most.    

In the upper right hand corner of my blog there is a quote that I love and I read it often as a reminder. Part of it says "The wisdom of life consists in the elimination of nonessentials." ...I think I'm finally starting to get it!